Homosexuality “Loving the Homosexual to Healing with Truth” | Part Two

Ronnie Rogers | Pastor
Trinity Baptist Church, Norman, OK

Scientifically: A number of people claim that homosexuality is predetermined by one’s biology, genetics.[1] This is said so frequently that it is quite often accepted as scientific fact, and to disagree with such pronouncements is considered evidence that one is a homophobic Neanderthal. We are often led to believe that science has proven the biological predetermination of homosexuality; therefore, it is natural and unchangeable. The truth is, science has not demonstrated a genetic predetermination of homosexuality; as stated above, even if such a gene is found, it does not prove predetermination, nor that it is good (to be normalized) or unchangeable, or that such passions should not be resisted. Actually, this is beyond the domanial authority of science. Narth.com is a great resource regarding the science and psychology of homosexuality. The following are quotes made by prominent scientists regarding the lack of scientific demonstration that homosexuality is genetically predetermined.

Dr. Francis S. Collins, one of the world’s leading genetic scientists and head of the human genome project, says, “Evidence from twin studies does in fact support the conclusion that heritable factors play a role in male homosexuality….indicating that sexual orientation is genetically influenced but not hardwired by DNA, and that whatever genes are involved represent predispositions, not predeterminations.“[2] (italics added)

Paul R. McHugh, M.D., University Distinguished Service Professor of Psychiatry at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, says “(1) There is no scientific consensus on what homosexuality is, and the number of people who fit in the class…varies widely, depending on which definition of homosexuality is used and (2) there is no scientific consensus that homosexuality is exclusively or primarily genetic in origin.”[3]

“There are basically three studies that led activists to trumpet the notion that homosexuality is biologically determined. These studies were conducted by Simon LeVay, Dean Hamer, and the team of Michael Bailey and Richard Pillard.”[4]

Homosexual activist and researcher Dean Hamer, “We knew that genes were only part of the answer. We assumed the environment also played a role in sexual orientation, as it does in most, if not all behaviors…”[5]

Researcher N. Mitchell, “Homosexuality is not purely genetic…environmental factors play a role. There is not a single master gene that makes people gay…I don’t think we will ever predict who will be gay.”[6]

Homosexual activist and researcher Simon LeVay says, “It’s important to stress what I didn’t find. I did not prove that homosexuality is genetic, or find a genetic cause for being gay. I didn’t show that gay men are born that way, the most common mistake people make in interpreting my work. Nor did I locate a gay center in the brain.”[7]

Dr. Mark Breedlove, “a researcher at the University of California at Berkeley, demonstrated that sexual behavior can actually change brain structure. Referring to his research, Breedlove states: ‘These findings give us proof for what we theoretically know to be the case-that sexual experience can alter the structure of the brain, just as genes can alter it. [I]t is possible that differences in sexual behavior cause (rather than are caused) by differences in the brain.’”[8]

The Biblicist recognizes the role of nature and nurture. We know that creation and the fall involve the confluence of both nature and nurture. Because of the fall, the presence of corrupted genes and enzymes are to be expected. To wit, the biological aspect of man is corrupted as is every other aspect of man, which is most evidenced in that man’s death includes the death of his physical body.

Gene presence does not answer the question of good or bad, e.g. cancer. Both behavior and genes can affect the brain structure. The idea that one gene or several genes can cause behavior that eliminates choice is based on scientism (naturalism), not science. Genetic causality of behavior is simply the philosophy of determinism, which means that people do not make a choice between accessible options. They choose, but have no choice, because every choosing is the result of determinative antecedents—this is true in both determinism and compatibilism. Actually, God creates us with the ability to make choices and be responsible for such choices. The claim that God made individuals as homosexuals ignores the ubiquitous and consistent teaching of Scripture and the fall of man, which leads to conclusions that if one is a certain way, God surely so made him.

The Bible makes it compellingly clear that homosexuality is sin, which is to be resisted and turned from as is the case with all sin, regardless how powerful the lust to follow the sin (Genesis 19; Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:18-32; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 1 Timothy 1:10). The Bible makes it wonderfully clear that God loves the world, which includes homosexuals (John 3:16), and they like any other sinner can call upon the Lord Jesus and be saved.

[1]http://www.scribd.com/doc/100219506/Is-There-a-Gay-Gene, accessed 2-5-15.[2] Francis S. Collins, The Language of God (New York: Free Press, 2006), 260.[3]http://www.narth.com/#!cv/cdy2 accessed 2/5/15.[4] For a fuller presentation as well as citations see the lecture of Dr. Dean Byrd, http://www.fairmormon.org/perspectives/fair-conferences/2004-fair-conference/2004-born-that-way-facts-and-fiction-about-homosexuality; accessed 2-5-15, A. Dean Byrd, PhD, MBA, MPH, is the President and CEO of Thrasher Research Fund and is a member of the University of Utah School of Medicine Faculty, with appointments in the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine and in the Department of Psychiatry. In addition, he is Adjunct Professor, Department of Family Studies, also at the University of Utah. He was trained at Spartanburg Methodist College, Brigham Young University, Virginia Commonwealth University and Medical College of Virginia, Loyola University, and the University of Utah. He has lectured in many countries throughout the world, including in Israel (Bar Ilan University, Hebrew University, and University of Tel Aviv), Poland (University of Krakow School of Medicine), Democratic Republic of the Congo (University of Kinshasa School of Medicine) and the Ivory Coast (Ivory Coast School of Public Health). He has authored six books and more than two hundred peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, book reviews, and opinion editorials on family-related topics. He is married to Dr. Elaine Byrd, Professor of Elementary Education at Utah Valley University. They are the parents of five children.[5] D. Hamer, & P. Copeland, P. The Science of Desire. (New York: Simon and Schuster, 1994), 82, http://www.narth.org/docs/innate.html accessed 2-5-15.[6] N. Mitchell, (1995). Genetics, sexuality linked, study says. Standard Examiner, April 30. http://www.narth.org/docs/innate.html; accessed 2-5-15.[7]http://www.narth.org/docs/innate.html; accessed 2-5-15.[8] M.S. Breedlove, (1997). Sex on the brain. Nature, 389, p. 801, http://www.narth.org/docs/innate.html accessed 3/30/15.